Galatians 4

The heir is likened to a "child," representing a state of spiritual immaturity. Although God's promises exist, they have not yet been fully realized in this stage.

The phrase "under guardians and stewards" symbolizes being under the instruction of the Torah. This is a period of discipline, preparation, and guidance, not oppression.

Key Terms and Their Meanings:

1️⃣ Heir (κληρονόμος, klēronomos)

Refers to the one who is destined to inherit. In the biblical context, it represents those who are chosen as God's children.

2️⃣ Father (πατήρ, patēr)

The authority figure who owns and oversees the inheritance. This represents God, who prepares and determines the time for His children's full inheritance.

3️⃣ Guardian (ἐπίτροπος, epitropos)

A caretaker or protector responsible for guiding the heir. This role is akin to the Torah, which instructs and leads God's people towards their inheritance.

4️⃣ Steward (οἰκονόμος, oikonomos)

The one who manages the heir’s estate and ensures everything is in order. This mirrors the Torah's detailed laws and commandments that prepare the heir for maturity.

Key Insight:

The structure of guardianship and stewardship is not oppressive or demeaning but a noble and trust-based system.
The Torah is not a burden or a system of control meant to enslave people; rather, it protects, educates, and prepares God's chosen ones until the fullness of their inheritance in the Messiah is realized.
The heir, before reaching maturity, requires the Torah’s instruction, just as a child needs guidance before assuming full responsibility.

This passage has been misinterpreted by mainstream Christian theology to suggest that the Torah was merely an oppressive system that needed to be abolished. However, in reality, Paul is affirming the indispensable role of the Torah in bringing God's people into their inheritance.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:3

4:3

"In the same way, when we were spiritually immature, we were enslaved under the elementary principles of the world."

֎ Second State: Enslavement Under the Elementary Principles of the World (Verse 3)

Analysis:

Apostle Paul never refers to the Torah (God’s Law) as "the elementary principles of the world." The Torah is the holy and righteous Word of God, perfect and divine in nature. However, fallen humanity tends to misinterpret or distort God’s commandments due to its sinful nature.

This distortion is not the fault of the Torah but a result of humanity’s inclination toward evil. As recorded in Genesis 6:5, "every intention of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil continually." In such a state, even God's holy Word could be misunderstood or misapplied. However, the Torah itself has never been corrupted or abolished.

The Galatian church was primarily composed of Gentile believers who had been immersed in pagan religious customs and philosophical traditions before coming to faith. These human-made systems were deeply rooted in sinful desires and worldly principles, which is why Paul calls them "the elementary principles of the world." These principles were opposed to God's will, making them fundamentally different from the Torah.

Just as a devoted child would never trample on the shadow of their beloved parent, the Torah is the shadow of the Gospel—a sacred, divine guide leading humanity to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Christ. The Torah played an essential role in guiding and preserving God's people until its fulfillment in the Messiah.

Paul is not rejecting the Torah but is rather rebuking the Galatians for their past enslavement to pagan and human traditions. The phrase "the elementary principles of the world" refers to the corrupt, man-made religious, philosophical, and societal systems that enslaved people before they came to know the truth.

Therefore, Paul does not seek to abolish God's Law but to clarify that it was never part of the fallen world’s elementary principles. Instead, the Torah represents God's righteousness and divine instruction leading to salvation.

Greek Word Study:

1️⃣ τὰ στοιχεῖα (ta stoicheia)

"Stoicheia" means "elementary principles" or "basic elements."
It can refer to fundamental rules, philosophical concepts, or religious teachings.
In context, it represents the foundational structures of the sinful world, not the Torah.

2️⃣ τοῦ κόσμου (tou kosmou)

"Kosmos" means "the world" or "worldly system."
Here, it signifies a corrupted order in opposition to God's holiness.

📌 Literal Rendering:
"τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου" → "ta stoicheia tou kosmou" → "the elementary principles of the world"

Key Insight:

The "elementary principles of the world" refer to pagan traditions and human philosophies, not the Torah.
Paul is exposing the Galatians’ former enslavement to sinful worldviews before they came to faith in the Messiah.
Many Christian theologians have falsely equated "stoicheia" with the Torah, leading to serious misinterpretations.
The Torah remains God’s perfect and holy instruction, guiding His people until its fulfillment in Yeshua.

This passage has been wrongly used by traditional Christian theology to attack the Torah, when in reality, Paul is rebuking sinful human traditions and false teachings, not God’s Law.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:4

4:4

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law."

֎ Third State: The Offspring of the Woman, Born Under the Law (Verse 4)

Analysis:

📌 "When the fullness of time had come"

This refers to the appointed time in God’s redemptive plan when the incarnation of Yeshua took place.
It signifies God’s perfect timing for the fulfillment of prophecy and the arrival of the Messiah.

📌 "Born of a woman"

This is a direct fulfillment of Genesis 3:15, where God promised that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head.
Yeshua was born in human flesh to redeem humanity.

📌 "Born under the Law"

Yeshua’s birth under the Torah signifies that He fully submitted to its requirements as a human.
This was necessary so that He could perfectly fulfill the Law and become the ultimate atonement for His people.

Related Verses (Yeshuah Literal Translation):

1️⃣ Circumcision
📖 "On the eighth day after His birth, they circumcised Him and named Him Yeshua, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb."
— Luke 2:21 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

2️⃣ Presentation and Purification Offering
📖 "When the days of His mother’s purification according to the Torah of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to YHWH, as it is written in the Torah of YHWH: ‘Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to YHWH.’ And they offered a sacrifice according to what is said in the Torah of YHWH, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’"
— Luke 2:22-24 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

Additional Insights:

From the moment of His birth, Yeshua lived in complete obedience to the Torah.
His circumcision on the eighth day and His mother’s observance of purification laws highlight His submission to the Law.
This foreshadowed His mission to fulfill the Torah and offer Himself as the final sacrifice for redemption.

This verse has often been misinterpreted by mainstream Christian theology to imply that Yeshua came to abolish the Torah. However, the truth is the opposite: He was born under the Law to fulfill it perfectly and establish the Kingdom of God through obedience.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:5

4:5

"That He might redeem those under the Law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

֎ Fourth State: Redemption from the Curse of the Law and Fulfillment of the Covenant (Verse 5)

Analysis:

📌 "That He might redeem those under the Law"

The word "redeem" (ἐξαγοράζω, exagorazō) means to buy back, to set free by paying a ransom.
Yeshua took upon Himself the curse that resulted from disobedience to the Torah and, despite having never sinned, fully met the righteous requirements of the Law.
In other words, Yeshua perfectly obeyed the Law according to God's standard and, having never sinned, was fully qualified as the true Redeemer.

He is the Son of God and possesses the same divine nature as the Father. Moreover, because He holds the perfect heart of God, He was able to stand blameless before Him.
Therefore, He was able to redeem us, freeing us from the bondage of sin through His atonement and ensuring that we would never again be united with sin.
As a result, sinners are no longer under the dominion of sin(curse) and have received the power to overcome it.
This is the victory of the Cross.

📌 "That we might receive adoption as sons"

Through Yeshua’s redemption, we are no longer slaves under the Law but have become children of God.
The victory of the Cross has destroyed the power of sin, and as a result, sinners have overcome sin and death and have been adopted as children of God.
Therefore, the Law of the Lord has not been abolished; rather, through the Messiah’s fulfillment of the covenant, we have been brought into a deeper and higher relationship with God.
This is why the Bible calls believers holy people.
Thus, just as the Lord God is holy, all believers must live a sanctified life through rebirth.
By living a sanctified life, believers fulfill their holy duty, and their faith must be demonstrated through works.
In other words, their very lives must serve as evidence of obedience.

Related Scriptures & Commentary

📖 "It is finished" (John 19:30, Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"When Yeshua had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit."

"It is finished!" (τετέλεσται, tetelestai) was not merely a declaration of death but a proclamation that the full requirements of the Torah had been fulfilled.
This means the Law was not abolished but was brought to its intended completion.

📖 Redemption from the Curse of the Law (Deuteronomy 21:23, Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"His body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that same day; for he who is hanged on a tree is cursed by God."

1. Yeshua fulfilled this scripture, bearing the curse of the Law on behalf of humanity for the sins they had committed.
2. This is also connected to Galatians 3:13, which emphasizes that Yeshua took upon Himself the curse of sinners on the Cross.

📌 However, the reason He endured such extreme suffering and even death while still offering forgiveness was not just for simple pardon but to convey a deeper truth: "Go and sin no more."

📖 Fulfillment, Not Abolition (Matthew 5:17, Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill."

The fulfillment of the Law does not mean its cancellation; rather, it was an event in which God’s righteousness and love were fully revealed.

📖 Adoption as Sons (Romans 8:15, Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"You have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'"

Through Yeshua’s redemption, we are set free from fear. However, if we continue to sin, we will fall back under the Law and live as those condemned. This is similar to how the American police declare "Under arrest" when detaining a criminal—it signifies falling back under judgment.
Now that we have been adopted as children of God, we must live a life worthy of that status.
We must never again be united with sin and return to a life enslaved to it.
Otherwise, we will once again become criminals, fall back under the Law, and live in vain, trembling in fear as slaves to sin.
This is not just a change in status but signifies a complete restoration of our relationship with God.

📖 Genesis 3 – God Clothing Sinners with Garments of Skin

In Genesis 3, after Adam and Eve sinned, God Himself sacrificed a lamb and clothed them with its skin.
This lamb clearly foreshadowed the atonement of Yeshua,
and it also demonstrated God’s holy love in personally serving sinners.

Conclusion

✅ Yeshua’s redemption did not abolish the Law but fulfilled its righteous requirements.
✅ The purpose of the Law has been fully realized, and this marks a great spiritual revolution—one in which reborn believers are no longer condemned under the Law but become victorious over sin.
✅ Through the victory of the Cross, we have been fully adopted as children of God and have become heirs to His inheritance. However, as warned in the book of Hebrews, if we return to a life of sin, we will be crucifying Yeshua again and will no longer have any means of atonement.

📌 "Tetelestai" (It is finished) is not a declaration of the Law’s abolition but an announcement that, through Yeshua, the Law has reached its perfect purpose.
📌 Through this, believers receive true freedom from sin and death and inherit God’s eternal kingdom.

Hebrews 6:4-6

"For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace."

Hebrews 10:26-29

"For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who rejected the Law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment do you think will be deserved by the one who has trampled on the Son of God, who has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"

These verses serve as a severe warning that if one, after receiving redemption through Yeshua, willfully returns to a sinful life, they will have no further opportunity for forgiveness.

Thus, believers must live a life of holiness, demonstrating true obedience and transformation as those who have been redeemed by Yeshua’s sacrifice.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:6

4:6

"Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'"

֎ Fifth State: Restoration of Identity, the Beginning of True Faith, and Spiritual Rebirth

Analysis:

Through the redemptive work of Yeshua, those whose identities have been restored become sons and daughters of God. As a result, the Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit—comes into our hearts and enables us to cry out "Abba, Father!" This marks the beginning of a complete and true faith through spiritual rebirth.

Meaning of "Abba, Father"

"Abba" is an Aramaic term for "Father" used in an intimate and affectionate way, expressing the deep relationship between a child and their parent.
When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we are no longer just creations but children of God who can enjoy deep communion with Him.

Rebirth Through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not merely a presence that comforts the heart or stirs emotions but the One who confirms our status as children of God.

📖 John 3:5 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"Yeshua answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"
→ Being born again by the Spirit is not just the beginning of faith but a fundamental transformation that qualifies one to inherit the kingdom of God.

Restoration of Identity and the Beginning of a Life of Faith

Becoming a child of God means leaving behind the status of a slave and entering into the love and family of the Father.
The Holy Spirit works within our hearts to establish our communion with God and to guide us into mature faith.

📖 Romans 8:16-17 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Messiah."

Related Scriptures:

📖 Ezekiel 36:26-27 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to keep My ordinances."
→ The Holy Spirit gives a new heart and empowers believers to obey God’s word.

📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
→ Those born again by the Spirit begin a new life, leaving behind their old sinful nature.

📖 John 14:16-17 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth."
→ The Holy Spirit, as our Helper, enables God’s children to live in true faith.

Conclusion:

Through the atoning work of Yeshua, believers experience the restoration of their identity as children of God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the beginning of a true life of faith. This is not merely about being freed from sin but about entering into a close relationship with God, experiencing His love and grace, and living in the hope of inheriting His kingdom.

The work of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to cry out "Abba, Father!", confirms our status as God’s children and leads us to live in complete faith and obedience, even while on this earth.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:7

4:7

"Therefore, you are no longer a slave but a child of God, and if a child, then an heir through God."

֎ Sixth Stage: Assurance of the Heavenly Inheritance as a Child of God and Bearing Its Fruit

Summary of the Passage:

At this stage, each believer, having become a child of God, must examine their own life and assess whether they are bearing the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of repentance—evidence that they are truly qualified to inherit the kingdom of God.

Key Message:

Bearing the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of repentance is essential. This is not merely about confessing faith but demonstrating that faith through a transformed life.
Believers must examine whether they are living a changed life, bearing fruit in accordance with God’s word, and preparing themselves to receive the heavenly inheritance.

Related Scriptures (Yeshuah Literal Translation):

📖 Galatians 5:22-23 The Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law."

📖 Matthew 3:8 The Fruit of Repentance

"Therefore, bear fruit in keeping with repentance."

📖 Romans 8:16-17 Assurance of the Inheritance

"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God. And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Messiah, provided we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him."

Conclusion:

The life of a child of God is a process of bearing the fruit of the Spirit and demonstrating true repentance, thereby gaining assurance of the heavenly inheritance that God has given.

This stage goes beyond merely confessing faith—it is about living out God’s word in daily life and bearing spiritual fruit as a sign of a mature and growing faith.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:8-9

4:8

"However, at that time, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those who by nature are not gods."

4:9

"But now that you know God, or rather, are known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental principles of the world, desiring to be enslaved by them once more?"

Two Contrasting States in Paul’s Argument

1️⃣ First: The Past State of Not Knowing God

Explanation:

The Galatians, in their past, did not know God and lived enslaved to things that were not truly God—whether false deities or religious systems rooted in paganism. This refers to a state of spiritual darkness, separated from truth and salvation.

Key Message:

The phrase "enslaved to those who by nature are not gods" refers to a life controlled by fallen human nature, where people were bound by worldly philosophies and religious systems outside of God’s truth.

2️⃣ Second: The Present State of Knowing God and Being Known by Him

Explanation:

Now, the Galatians not only know God but are known by Him. However, despite this transformation, some were attempting to return to the "weak and worthless elemental principles of the world." This reveals a foolish desire to abandon the freedom of grace and return to past enslavement.

Key Message:

The phrase "turning back to the weak and worthless elemental principles" refers to falling back into previous worldly and religious systems. Paul strongly warns against this regression, emphasizing that believers must not return to their former ignorance.

Interim Conclusion

Galatians 4:8-9 summarizes the six-step process previously outlined by contrasting:

The past state (enslaved under false gods and worldly systems, ignorant of God).
The present state (knowing God, being known by Him, and having a new identity as His children).

By drawing this contrast, Paul urges the Galatians not to turn back but to hold firm to their freedom and identity as children of God.

Contextual Connection in Galatians 4:8-9

📖 Galatians 4:8

"At that time, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those who by nature are not gods."

This clearly refers to the period "when they did not know God,"
They were bound to things that were not truly divine (i.e., false gods, pagan deities, or worldly religious systems).

📖 Galatians 4:9

"But now that you know God, or rather, are known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental principles of the world, desiring to be enslaved by them once more?"

The phrase "weak and worthless elemental principles of the world" (στοιχεῖα) connects to the worldly systems they once followed.

Why "The Corrupt Foundational Principles of the World" is the Most Logical Interpretation

1. Contextual Consistency

Verse 8 already defines "the time of not knowing God."
Verse 9 refers back to what they were once enslaved to, meaning pagan philosophies, false religious systems, and worldly principles—not the Torah.

2. Meaning of "στοιχεῖα" (stoicheia)

In this context, "stoicheia" does not refer to basic physical elements or neutral philosophical ideas but to the fallen foundational principles of the world—a human-made system apart from God’s truth.
This includes idolatry, false worship, and human-centered ideologies.

3. Paul's Warning

Paul is warning that believers who have been set free in Yeshua must not return to the enslaving system of the fallen world.
This system is inherently weak and worthless because it cannot grant salvation or true freedom.

Refined Interpretation and Translation of the Key Phrase

📖 Greek:
τὰ ἀσθενῆ καὶ πτωχὰ στοιχεῖα

📖 Refined Translation:
"The weak and worthless corrupt foundational principles of the world."

Conclusion

Galatians 4:8 ("when you did not know God") and Galatians 4:9 ("turning back to the weak and worthless elements") are directly linked.
These elements refer to fallen world systems, idolatry, and false religions—not the Torah.
The Torah (God’s Law) is holy and righteous (Romans 7:12), and Paul is not condemning it but rather condemning the broken religious and philosophical systems of the Gentiles.
Understanding "elemental principles" as "corrupt world systems" aligns best with the immediate and broader biblical context.

Thus, Paul's warning is clear: Do not return to enslavement under the fallen systems of the world, but remain in the freedom and identity given in Messiah.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:10

4:10

"You are 'Paratereo' watching-closely [with malicious intent], days, months, appointed times (Kairos), and years."

Warning:

The epistles of Paul, including Galatians, must be interpreted with deep caution and understanding. Even the apostle Peter issued a serious warning about misinterpreting Paul’s letters, particularly when they are read without a proper grasp of the Hebrew expressions found in the Old Testament. This issue is critical for modern readers, and thus, this warning must be emphasized once again.

📖 2 Peter 3 (Yeshuah Literal Translation)

15 "Consider also that the patience of our Lord is salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him."
16 "He speaks about these matters in all his letters, in which there are some things that are hard to understand. The ignorant and unstable distort them, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction."

A Perfect Solution for Proper Interpretation

To correctly understand the Gospel message in Paul’s letters, particularly in Galatians chapter 4, we must thoroughly analyze the meaning and usage of Kairos (καιρός) and Paratereo (παρατηρέω) in the New Testament. Doing so will provide a clear and precise solution for interpreting these texts properly.

1️⃣ Returning to Hebraic Thought

To correctly interpret the New Testament, we must understand the linguistic and conceptual roots of the Old Testament.
Since the New Testament was written within a Hebraic framework, failing to grasp the Old Testament context will result in a distorted understanding of the New Testament.

For instance:

Kairos (καιρός) is not just a general term for "time" or "season."
In the Old Testament, Kairos is directly connected to Moed (מוֹעֵד, "appointed time"), referring to God’s ordained times and His redemptive plan.
Without recognizing this connection to the divine calendar and prophetic fulfillment, any attempt to interpret Galatians 4:10 will be incomplete.

2️⃣ Precise Analysis of the Original Terms

A careful linguistic study of how Kairos (καιρός) and Paratereo (παρατηρέω) are used in the New Testament is essential. Each instance of these words must be examined in its proper context to see how Paul and the other apostles framed their theological message.

This approach will clarify:

How Paul’s teachings are linked to the Old Testament foundations.
How certain words and concepts have been misrepresented in traditional interpretations.

3️⃣ Unified Interpretation of the Old and New Testaments

The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Paul’s letters, including Galatians, are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy and the progression of redemptive history.
Thus, any correct interpretation of Paul’s letters must be harmonized with the Old Testament.

4️⃣ Heeding the Warning Against Distorted Interpretations

As Peter warned, forcing an incorrect interpretation onto the Scriptures leads to destruction.

To avoid this, we must:

✅ Interpret the Bible holistically, ensuring alignment between the Old and New Testaments.
✅ Avoid human traditions and theological biases that distort the true meaning of the text.
✅ Rely on prayer and the illumination of the Holy Spirit for understanding.

Kairos (καιρός) – The Appointed Time of God

The appointed times of God (Kairos) cannot be arbitrarily altered or redefined by human reasoning.
To fully comprehend this, we must return to the Hebraic foundation, engage in thorough linguistic analysis, and study the redemptive timeline.

Conclusion:

This approach provides the most reliable method for correctly understanding Galatians, Paul’s letters, and the Gospel message. It ensures that modern believers can interpret the Scriptures as they were originally intended and follow the Gospel of Yeshua in its fullness.

֎ Kairos (καιρός) in Paul’s Epistles

The term Kairos (καιρός) in Paul’s letters is directly linked to Moed (מוֹעֵד) in the Hebrew Scriptures. It does not simply mean “time” or “season” in a general sense but refers to appointed times established by God. This divine timing is essential in understanding the fulfillment of God’s covenant, prophetic events, and the believer’s role in worship.

Kairos in Galatians:

📖 Galatians 4:10

Used as the Greek translation of "Moed" (מוֹעֵד) in the Hebrew Scriptures, referring to God's appointed times.

📖 Galatians 6:9

Refers to the time for reaping eternal life—the fulfillment of God’s covenant.

📖 Galatians 6:10

Translated as "opportunity," but in reality, it signifies a time granted by God’s divine will. (This concept has deeper meanings, which will be explored separately.)

Kairos in Romans:

📖 Romans 3:26

Refers to the appointed time of the covenant’s fulfillment.

📖 Romans 5:6

Again, denotes the appointed time for redemption.

📖 Romans 8:18

Tou nun Kairos pros ten mellousan doxan → “The present Kairos in relation to the coming glory.”
This describes the life of believers as a journey toward the completion of the eternal covenant.
This is precisely why God commands His people to observe Moed (appointed times), as it reflects the ultimate purpose of worship—to lead His redeemed people toward the fulfillment of the eternal covenant.

📖 Romans 9:9

Again, Kairos is used as the Greek equivalent of Moed (מוֹעֵד).

📖 Romans 11:5

Draws a comparison with the Old Testament remnant who did not bow to Baal—those who remained faithful despite living in a corrupt world.
The context implies that faithful believers continue to uphold Torah observance, including keeping Moed (appointed times).

📖 Romans 13:11

Expresses the Day of the Lord (the appointed time of the covenant’s fulfillment).

Kairos in Ephesians:

📖 Ephesians 1:9-10

"When the time had fully come" refers to the fulfillment of the covenant at its appointed time.

📖 Ephesians 2:12

Refers to the period before the fulfillment of the covenant, signifying a predetermined time.

📖 Ephesians 5:16

“Reclaiming Kairos” → This means restoring Moed, the appointed times established by God in the Hebrew Scriptures.

📖 Ephesians 6:18

"En panti Kairo en Pneumati" (ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ ἐν πνεύματι) → "In every Kairos, in the Spirit."
This phrase signifies observing all Moed (Moedim), meaning all appointed times of worship and covenant gatherings in the Spirit.

Conclusion:

Paul's use of Kairos is deeply rooted in the Hebrew concept of Moed (מוֹעֵד), emphasizing:

✅ The appointed times of God in redemptive history.
✅ The fulfillment of the covenant through Yeshua.
✅ The necessity of observing God’s ordained times of worship.

Understanding Kairos through its Hebraic foundation reveals that Paul's teachings are not abolishing God's appointed times but affirming their prophetic fulfillment in Yeshua and their continued relevance for believers.

֎ Paratereo (παρατηρέω) in the New Testament

The Greek word Paratereo (παρατηρέω) does not simply mean "observe" or "keep," but rather carries a negative connotation of watching with ill intent, spying, or scrutinizing to find fault.

In the New Testament, it is consistently used to describe hostile observation, often with the intent to accuse, entrap, or oppose.

Occurrences of Paratereo in the New Testament:

📖 Mark 3:2 → "They were watching Him closely (παρατηρέω) to accuse Him."
📖 Luke 6:7 → "They were watching Him closely (παρατηρέω) to find a reason to accuse Him."
📖 Luke 14:1 → "They were watching Him closely (παρατηρέω) with hostile intent."
📖 Luke 20:20 → "They watched Him (παρατηρέω) and sent spies..."
📖 Acts 9:24 → "They were watching (παρατηρέω) the gates day and night in order to kill him."
📖 Galatians 4:10 → "You watched with hostile intent (παρατηρέω) days, months, appointed times (Kairos), and years."

Paratereo in Galatians 4:10

The use of Paratereo in Galatians 4:10 does not indicate faithful observance but rather a hostile, legalistic scrutiny.
This implies that Paul is not condemning the observance of Torah-appointed times (Moedim) itself, but rather the wrong attitude in which it was being done.

The phrase "watching" does not mean keeping the appointed times in faith, but rather observing them in a way that contradicts their original purpose.
Some were likely questioning why the Torah’s appointed times were being kept, attempting to accuse those who observed them.
Thus, Paratereo here means "to scrutinize, observe with suspicion, or keep improperly" rather than to faithfully keep God’s appointed times.

The Prefix "Para" (παρά) and Its Negative Impact

In Greek, when "Para" (παρά) is attached to a word, it often alters its meaning negatively, making it imply distortion, opposition, or deviation.

Examples of "Para-" Used Negatively in the New Testament:

1. Paraphaino (παραφαίνω)

Meaning:
- "Phaino" (φαίνω) means "to appear" or "to shine."
- When "Para" is added, it becomes "Paraphaino" (παραφαίνω), meaning "to appear externally but be different in reality" or "to be misleading in appearance."
Usage in the New Testament:
📖 Hebrews 12:15 → "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no bitter root grows up (παραφαίνω) to cause trouble and defile many."
- "Paraphaino" describes a distorted, corrupt manifestation that misleads others, resulting from a lack of God’s grace.

2. Paranomos (παράνομος)

Meaning:
- "Nomos" (νόμος) means "law" or "Torah."
- When "Para" is added, it becomes "Paranomos" (παράνομος), meaning "to act unlawfully, to violate the law."
Usage in the New Testament:
📖 Acts 23:3 → "Paul said… 'Are you commanding me to be struck in violation of the law (παράνομος)?'"
- "Paranomos" describes an action that directly opposes or transgresses the Torah.

Conclusion

Paratereo (παρατηρέω) always carries a negative meaning in the New Testament, referring to hostile observation, scrutiny, or legalistic accusation.
In Galatians 4:10, Paratereo does not refer to faithful observance of God’s appointed times, but rather to a misguided or accusatory way of keeping them.
Greek words with "Para-" (παρά) often distort the meaning of the root word, making it imply opposition or corruption.
Understanding these linguistic nuances helps clarify that Paul was not condemning God’s appointed times (Moedim) but warning against keeping them in the wrong way or using them as a tool for accusation and legalism.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:11

4:11 "I fear for you, that my labor for you may have been in vain."

Understanding the Depth of Verse 10 to Grasp the Weight of Verse 11

Once we accurately understand verse 10, we realize how dangerous it is to oppose or mock the sacred Moedim (Kairos) of Scripture.

In Galatians 4:11, Paul warns that the spirituality which opposes (or refuses to honor in the true sense) the holy Moedim of Scripture belongs to Babylon and the Beast.

The Prophetic Warnings About Opposing God’s Appointed Times

📖 Isaiah 14:13

"You said in your heart: ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit enthroned on the mount of Moed (Kairos) in the far north.’"

✅ Interpretation:

This verse describes Satan's rebellion against God's authority, specifically targeting the mount of Moed (Kairos), which signifies God’s divine appointments and established times.
The enemy seeks to replace, corrupt, or eliminate these appointed times to lead people into deception.

📖 Daniel 7:25

"He will speak against the Most High and oppress His holy ones, and he will seek to change the appointed times (Moedim) and the law; and the holy ones will be given into his hand for a time (Iddan), times (Iddanin), and half a time (Pereq Iddan).”

Warning:

⚠️ The interpretation that "Iddan" and "Iddanin" refer to "one year, two years, and half a year" is a lie.

✅ Interpretation:

The prophecy states that the enemy will attempt to alter God’s appointed times (Moedim) and His law.
This directly connects to Galatians 4:11, as Paul is warning that rejecting God's true Moedim aligns with the work of the Beast.
The phrase "time, times, and half a time" is not a simple "one year, two years, and half a year" but refers to a prophetic period where God’s people are tested under oppression.

📖 Daniel 12:7

"Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river. He raised both his right and left hands toward heaven and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time (Moed), times (Moedim), and half a time (Hetzi); and when the power of the holy people has been shattered, all these things will be completed."

Warning:

⚠️ The interpretation that "Moed" and "Moedim" refer to "one year, two years, and half a year" is a lie.

✅ Interpretation:

The prophecy emphasizes God’s divine timetable (Moed & Moedim), which the enemy seeks to corrupt or replace.
The phrase "time, times, and half a time" must be understood in the context of God's appointed times, not human calendar years.

Conclusion

Galatians 4:11 is a serious warning that opposing or distorting the true observance of God’s appointed times (Moedim) aligns with the work of Babylon and the Beast.
The prophetic books of Isaiah and Daniel explicitly warn that the enemy seeks to manipulate, replace, and erase God’s appointed times.
Paul's warning in Galatians 4:11 is not about discarding God's Moedim but rather about ensuring they are kept in truth, not in distortion or legalism.
Those who attempt to redefine God's Moedim according to human traditions and false teachings are aligning themselves with the enemy's deception.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:12

4:12 "Brothers, I beg you, become like me, for I also became like you. You have done me no wrong."

Paul’s Effort to Identify with and Unite the Galatians

Paul tells the Galatians that he placed himself in their position, adapting to their culture and customs in order to preach the gospel effectively. This aligns with what he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, where he stated that he became "like a Jew to the Jews and like one without the Law to those without the Law."

However, Paul’s goal was not mere cultural assimilation but union in the truth of the gospel.

"I beg you, become like me"

This phrase reveals Paul’s earnest desire for the Galatians to root themselves fully in the gospel, living a life completely aligned with Scripture.

Paul always preached the gospel in accordance with what was written, emphasizing that all of Scripture testifies to Yeshua the Messiah (John 5:39). He considered all other religious doctrines and human interpretations as worthless (Philippians 3:8). This aligns with 1 Corinthians 4:6, where he strongly warned, "Do not go beyond what is written."

Relevant Scriptures:

📖 John 5:39

"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life. But it is they that testify about Me."

📖 Philippians 3:8

"I consider everything a loss because knowing my Lord Yeshua the Messiah is of supreme value. For His sake, I have lost all things and consider them as garbage, so that I may gain Yeshua."

🔹 Expanded Translation for Context:

"I have willingly counted all things as loss because knowing my Lord Yeshua the Messiah is greater than anything else. I have voluntarily forsaken everything and consider them as worthless refuse, that I may gain Yeshua."

📖 1 Corinthians 4:6

"Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your sake, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written, and so that none of you will become arrogant in favor of one person over another."

⚠️ Paul insists that the Galatians must not interpret Scripture according to human reasoning but must adhere solely to the truth of the gospel. He desires that they remain firm in their faith, not being swayed by human doctrines or misinterpretations.

1 Corinthians 4:1-6 Further Explains Paul’s Role

In this passage, Paul explains that God’s servants are entrusted with His mysteries (Romans 3:1-4), and they must faithfully deliver His word. He warns of the judgment that awaits those who distort the gospel, while also affirming that faithful servants will receive God's commendation.

Thus, "do not go beyond what is written" is not just a suggestion—it is a stern warning to remain within the boundaries of Scripture.

"You have done me no wrong"

Paul reminds the Galatians that they had previously welcomed him warmly, showing him kindness and respect. This is an appeal to their original faith and sincerity, urging them to return to the truth of the gospel and reject any distorted teachings.

Lessons and Applications

✅ A Life Centered on the Gospel
Paul’s emphasis was not simply on cultural adaptation but on deeply rooting one’s life in Scripture and the truth of the gospel. As believers, we must ensure that our faith and practices are firmly grounded in God’s word.

✅ The Importance of Scripture
Paul consistently warned against going beyond what is written. Even today, Scripture must be the foundation for all biblical interpretation and doctrine.

✅ Restoring the Passion of Our First Faith
Paul’s appeal to the Galatians encourages us to reflect on our initial passion for the gospel. Have we allowed traditions or legalism to replace the joy of salvation? Returning to the purity of our first love in Yeshua is crucial.

✅ True Unity in the Gospel
Paul’s concept of unity was not about conforming to human traditions but about being united in the truth of the gospel. The same applies to the church today—our unity must be based on biblical truth, not on human doctrine or denominational divisions.

֎ The True Meaning of "Under the Law"

The phrase "under the Law" is often misunderstood, but its true meaning emphasizes that the Law is essential for humanity. The Law serves as a guide to help people recognize sin and draw near to God's holy nature; it is a mirror reflecting God's righteousness. Sin did not originate from the Law but from the original sin that began with Adam’s transgression. The Law exposes sin and helps individuals realize their sinful nature, leading them to true repentance through the atoning blood of Yeshua, the Messiah.

The concept of a "person who does not need the Law" can be understood in a practical sense. This does not refer to someone who finds loopholes in the Law to evade it, but rather to a person whose life itself is perfectly aligned with the Law. Such a person naturally practices God's righteousness without relying on the Law, as their character and actions already fulfill all its requirements.

The coming Kingdom of God will be a world where the Law is no longer needed. In other words, people will no longer be "under the Law." However, this does not mean that the Law is disregarded; rather, it means that every inhabitant of that Kingdom will have fully met the requirements of the Law, and sin will no longer exist. The heavenly Kingdom, where people participate in God's divine nature, is a place completely free from sin and evil—a perfect, eternal realm where the Law's purpose has been fully realized. Thus, only those who have been born again as children of God and have been acknowledged as partakers of His divine nature will be allowed to enter.

The thief on the cross who was saved is a unique example of divine mercy. We must remember that this thief was directly facing the Savior in person, receiving mercy at that exact moment. In today’s world, one must ask: Would someone who is sentenced to death for their crimes have the opportunity to personally encounter Yeshua at their execution? Would they be able to recognize Him and offer true repentance in their final moments?

To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must be born again through the Holy Spirit by the atoning blood of Yeshua, the Messiah. Only those who are reborn as children of God will inherit His divine nature and dwell in His perfect Kingdom forever. In that place, there will be no sin, no curses revealed by the Law—only perfect beauty and eternal blessings. It is a realm where God’s righteousness and love are fully and eternally realized.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:13–16

4:13

"As you know, it was because of a weakness of the flesh that I first preached the gospel to you."

4:14

"Yet you did not despise or reject the trial that was in my flesh. Instead, you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Yeshua Himself."

4:15

"Where then is the blessing you once had? I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me."

4:16

"So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?"

Commentary

Paul reminds the Galatians that despite his physical weakness, he faithfully preached the gospel to them. He recalls how they did not mock or reject him due to his bodily affliction but rather received him with the highest honor—as an angel of God, even as Christ Yeshua Himself.

He points out their past devotion, where their love and zeal for the gospel were so strong that they would have even given him their own eyes if possible. However, Paul now highlights the drastic change in their attitude. Despite once embracing him with such sincerity, they now treat him as an adversary simply because he is telling them the truth.

This passage reveals the painful reality that speaking the truth can sometimes lead to opposition, even from those who initially received it with joy. Paul is urging the Galatians to return to the purity and passion of their initial faith rather than being led astray by external influences.

Connection to Galatians 4:10-11

Paul’s rebuke in Galatians 4:10-11 indicates that the Galatians had not been properly observing God’s holy Moedim (appointed times). He emphasizes the importance of Moedim, which were established from the beginning in Genesis 1:14, not as mere festivals but as divine appointments embedded in God’s redemptive plan.

The true meaning of Moedim is further revealed through the concept of the "Tent of Moed" (Moed Tabernacle). However, in later translations, this was rendered as "Tent of Meeting," causing modern Christianity to lose sight of its original significance.

The Moed Tabernacle was not simply a gathering place; it symbolized the heavenly sanctuary where Yeshua, our High Priest, officiates over divine worship. This concept is deeply rooted in the Torah, where God’s entire plan of redemption for humanity is foreshadowed.

Paul, therefore, seeks to correct their misunderstanding and call them back to the true gospel—one that integrates faith in Yeshua with the divine structure of God's appointed times. By neglecting the Moedim or observing them incorrectly, the Galatians were failing to align with God's ordained calendar, thus distorting the very foundation of His redemptive work.

Paul’s plea to the Galatians is not to abandon the Torah but to recognize its fulfillment and deeper meaning in Yeshua. Through this, he calls them back to God’s truth, urging them to restore the zeal and commitment they once had.

Circumcision and Obedience Led by the Holy Spirit

Paul’s teaching goes beyond the mere formal observance of the Law; he emphasizes the necessity of understanding its essence and living in true obedience. In Galatians, he stresses that circumcision of the heart must take place rather than just physical circumcision.

The completion of physical circumcision through circumcision of the heart means that the Torah is not merely inscribed in letters but is engraved upon each person’s heart through the work of the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31–40). This is not just a religious ritual but a life of complete obedience, led by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, this leads to becoming citizens of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, where we will dwell eternally with the Lord.

Thus, true faith is not about adhering to external religious forms but about loving God and living according to the Law that is written on the heart. The evidence of circumcision of the heart is manifested through a life of love for God, which is not merely about rituals but about genuine obedience and a transformed life.

Leaving behind human interpretations and religious doctrines, our ultimate goal is to obey the Torah according to the commandments, statutes, and laws in the way that pleases God. Worship that is rooted in true love manifests as a deep longing for spiritual communion with God, and this true spiritual communion is fulfilled only through Yeshua the Messiah.

Living in perfect alignment with God’s holy Word—this is the true faith that Paul sought to teach through the Gospel, and it is the holy life that all who follow Yeshua must pursue.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:17–18

4:17 "They zealously seek you, but not for good; they want to isolate you so that you will zealously seek them."
4:18 "It is always good to be zealous in a good thing, but not only when I am present with you."

Commentary

Verse 17: The Manipulative Zeal of False Teachers

"They" – This refers to the false teachers who were misleading the Galatian believers, attempting to pull them away from the true Gospel.
"Zealously seek you" – Their zeal was not rooted in God's truth but was a manipulative effort to gain control over the Galatians. Their intention was not for spiritual growth but for personal influence and power.
"They want to isolate you" – These false teachers sought to separate the Galatians from Paul and the true Gospel, making them dependent on their distorted teachings.

Paul's Warning: He exposes their selfish motives, emphasizing that their goal was not to help the Galatians grow in faith but to make them loyal followers of their own distorted version of the Gospel.

Verse 18: Encouragement for Genuine Zeal

"It is always good to be zealous in a good thing" – Paul is not condemning zeal itself. Instead, he affirms that true zeal, when directed toward God’s Word and truth, is commendable.
"Not only when I am present with you" – Paul urges the Galatians to maintain their commitment to the truth at all times, not just when he is physically with them.

Interpreting Verses 17 & 18 Together

These two verses contrast false zeal (which distorts God’s Word for selfish gain) with true zeal (which is grounded in truth and remains steadfast regardless of external circumstances).

The false teachers displayed zeal with corrupt intentions—to separate the Galatians from the true Gospel and make them dependent on their teachings.
Paul's desire was for the Galatians to have continuous zeal for truth, not just when he was present, but as a lifelong commitment to the true Gospel.

Warning for Modern Christianity

Peter warned that distorting Paul’s letters leads to destruction (2 Peter 3:16). Similarly, many today misunderstand the connection between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, leading to misinterpretation and deviation from God's intended truth.

Paul's message was not about human debates or theological disputes but about defending God’s truth from those who manipulate it for personal influence. His encouragement is clear—genuine zeal must be rooted in Scripture and a sincere pursuit of God’s will rather than being swayed by human teachings or religious agendas.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:19–21

4:19 "My children, I am again in the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you."
4:20 "I wish I could be with you now and change my tone because I am perplexed about you."
4:21 "Tell me, you who desire to be under the Law, do you not listen to the Law?"

Commentary

Paul expresses his deep love and concern for the Galatians, longing for Christ to be fully formed in them. He compares this process to the pain of childbirth, demonstrating the anguish he feels as he watches them halt their spiritual growth and even regress.

Paul wishes to speak to them in person with a gentler and more persuasive tone, yet he recognizes the urgency of correcting their wrong spiritual direction through this letter. His strong language is not meant to condemn them, but rather to rebuke the reality that human-made religious doctrines and traditions have distorted the true purpose of the Law and misled them.

Furthermore, he sternly warns against rejecting the covenant of Moed (God’s appointed times), which affirms that Jesus Christ is the High Priest leading worship in the heavenly Most Holy Place.

Warning to Those Who Want to Be “Under the Law”

Paul uses the phrase “you who want to be under the Law”, directly addressing those who attempt to attain righteousness through religious acts and human interpretation of the Law. The problem is not the Law itself, but the misguided belief that external adherence to the Law can justify a person before God.

Paul strongly rebukes this distorted view, emphasizing that faith in the One who gave the Law must take precedence over mere observance.

A life "under the Law" refers to a repetitive cycle of sin and atonement through animal sacrifices, which does not lead to true transformation. Instead of surrendering to God’s will, people in this system live according to their fleshly desires, then seek temporary atonement through sacrifices, rather than striving for holiness. However, those who have received forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ and have been sealed by the Holy Spirit must live a completely different life.

Does Not Keeping the Law Mean Freedom from It?

Most Christian theology and doctrine today claim that "freedom from the Law" means that believers no longer need to follow God's commandments.

However, if this were true, it would mean that Jesus’ crucifixion was meant to abolish the Law, which contradicts the entire message of the Scriptures.

Instead, Paul teaches that true freedom is not the removal of the Law but the fulfillment of it.
📌 Freedom in Christ means breaking free from the cycle of sin and sacrifice, not discarding God’s instructions.
📌 Freedom from the Law means no longer being trapped under its condemnation, not rejecting its holy purpose.

Thus, those who have obtained true freedom must separate themselves from sin and pursue holiness.
📌 This does not mean ignoring the Law, but rather being led by the Holy Spirit to live in alignment with God’s will.
📌 A life that follows the guidance of the Spirit naturally fulfills the Law, rather than falling back into a life of sin.

Paul warns that no one can be justified by a distorted, ritualistic interpretation of the Law, and urges the Galatians to experience true freedom within God’s grace.

Once again, true freedom is not the abolishment of the Law, but victory over sin and death.
📌 And the result of overcoming sin is a life that naturally obeys God’s commandments, statutes, and laws (Genesis 26:5).

Conclusion

Paul rebukes the Galatians firmly yet lovingly, urging them to return to the truth.

📌 A life under the Law refers to a life bound by sin, requiring continual sacrifices for atonement.
📌 The cycle of sin and atonement cannot lead to true righteousness or freedom.

However, through the blood of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are led into true holiness and deliverance from sin.
📌 The victory of the cross is the complete separation from sin, which is demonstrated in a life of obedience to God’s commandments, statutes, and laws.

Lessons for Modern Believers

📌 If we have received forgiveness through Jesus Christ, we must never again unite ourselves with sin.
📌 Continuing in sin is a result of Satan’s efforts to prevent humanity from attaining eternal life.
📌 But the victory of Jesus Christ is the power that overcomes all evil.

Thus, true freedom is not rejecting the Law but fulfilling it.
📌 We must live a life led by the Holy Spirit, walking in obedience to God’s will.
📌 This is the true Gospel Paul preached, and this is the holy path that all followers of Yeshua must walk.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:22–23

4:22 It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman.
4:23 However, the son of the slave woman was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through the promise.

Commentary

The Son of the Slave Woman (Ishmael)

Ishmael was born as a result of Sarah and Abraham’s human reasoning, using Hagar as a surrogate. His birth was a product of human effort, showing that man’s plans and methods cannot fulfill God’s covenant.
This reflects how the intention of the Torah given by God was distorted by human corruption.

📌 Human beings prioritize their own interpretations and doctrines over God’s Word, using them to judge and attack others while justifying themselves. This corrupt power of the age ultimately led to Jesus being crucified.

The Son of the Free Woman (Isaac)

Isaac was born according to God's promise at the appointed time (Moed, Kairos).
His birth was not the result of human effort but the fulfillment of God’s covenant and divine plan.
Isaac's most significant role was to be the son of the covenant leading to Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Torah.

📖 Genesis 17:21

→ "But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at the appointed time (Moed) next year."

📖 Genesis 18:14

→ "Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time (Moed) I will return to you, and Sarah will have a son."

📖 Genesis 21:2

→ "Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time (Moed) that God had spoken to him."

Isaac’s birth represents the fulfillment of God's will, just as the Torah was given with the purpose of guiding humanity to salvation when rightly understood and obeyed.

Moed (Kairos) and the Attitude of the Galatian Believers

In Galatians 4:10–11, Paul rebukes the Galatian believers for scrutinizing and opposing God's Moed (appointed times and festivals) with a critical and hostile attitude.

📌 "Paratereo" (παρατηρέω) – Does not merely mean "observe" but rather watching with a negative, hostile, or critical intent.
📌 This reveals an attitude of disregarding God's covenant and Moed, attempting to distort the Torah for their own interpretations.
📌 Such an attitude undermines the essence of the gospel Paul preached and rejects God's redemptive plan.

Why Do People Spy on God’s Covenant (Moed)?

God’s covenant cannot be fulfilled by human effort, so those who reject or scrutinize it with hostility display pride and a self-centered faith.
Paul issues a strong warning that if one does not submit to God's covenant and Moed, even the gospel becomes meaningless.

📌 True redemption lies in submitting to God’s appointed times and ways, and rejecting them means ultimately opposing God's will.

Conclusion: The Importance of Covenant and Moed

Paul rebukes the Galatian believers because:
✅ Their distortion and disregard for God's Moed (Kairos) corrupts the plan of salvation and the gospel itself.
✅ Isaac was the child of the covenant, born at God's appointed time, while Ishmael was born of human effort, highlighting the contrast between God's sovereignty and human manipulation.
✅ This teaches the Galatians the importance of trusting and obeying God's appointed times and promises.
✅ One must not spy on or distort God's covenant but fully accept its true meaning in order to stand firm in the gospel.

✨ Key Summary

Ishmael → Born of human effort and interpretation → Represents the corruption of Torah through misguided religious doctrine
Isaac → Born at God’s appointed time (Moed) → Represents the true fulfillment of the Torah’s covenant
The Error of the Galatians → Scrutinizing and distorting God's Moed (appointed times)
Paul’s Warning → If one does not submit to God’s appointed ways, even the gospel is in vain
True Faith → Accepting God’s Moed and its covenant Messiah Yeshua, rather than interpreting it through human doctrines without Him.
- The true faith in Jesus Christ includes the First Coming, Resurrection, Pentecost, Ascension, Second Coming, the Resurrection of the Saints, and the coming of New Jerusalem.
- Understanding and believing in the fulfillment of all Moed is the essence of true faith.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:24–26

4:24 This is spoken as an allegory: these two women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children into slavery—this is Hagar.
4:25 Now, Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to present-day Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
4:26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Commentary

Hagar and Sarah as an Allegory of Two Covenants

Paul uses Abraham’s two wives, Hagar and Sarah, to illustrate the contrast between two covenants.

Hagar symbolizes the covenant at Mount Sinai, where Moses received part of the Law. This was a partial covenant, not the complete fulfillment of God’s promise.

This period emphasized physical circumcision, yet people had not yet realized that circumcision of the heart is the essence of life.
At that time, people interpreted the Holy Hebrew Scriptures as if reading them with a veil over their eyes, without recognizing Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, most religious leaders used the Torah as a tool to condemn others and elevate themselves. This reflects the state of those who had not yet received the New Covenant prophesied in Jeremiah 31, where the Torah would be inscribed upon the heart. For the Torah to be truly written on the heart, one must first receive the circumcision of the heart.

📌 When Israel received the covenant at Sinai, they did not embrace it with willing and joyful hearts.
📌 As a result, even though they were in a covenant, they still lived as slaves to sin and death.
📌 Instead of fully trusting in the God who gave the Torah, they focused on external rituals and sacrifices, attempting to achieve righteousness through corrupted human doctrines and misinterpreted religious practices.
📌 This mirrors the attitude of those who condemned Jesus, relying on corrupted human doctrines and misinterpreted religious practices rather than faith in God’s promise.

Paul’s Own Example:

He was a follower of corrupted human doctrines and misinterpreted religious practices, persecuting believers.

📌 Paul participated in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58), believing he was upholding God’s Law, but in reality, he was following a corrupted human interpretation of it.
📌 He used the Law as a tool for judgment and condemnation, yet he believed that he was faithfully serving God.
📌 This represents the "Era of Hagar," where people rely on corrupted religious doctrines instead of true faith and love.

📌 In such an unfaithful state, people neither bear the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) nor practice the love that fulfills the Law (Galatians 5:14).

Present-Day Jerusalem as a Symbol of Hagar’s Bondage

📌 The present Jerusalem claims to observe the Torah and appointed times, yet it remains a city where people continue to live in sin.
📌 This parallels the role of Hagar, symbolizing bondage rather than true spiritual freedom.

📌 In other words, while the physical location and name of Jerusalem may imply holiness, it is not truly holy but just another city of the world—one still in spiritual bondage.

The Jerusalem Above: The True Holy City

📌 In contrast, the "Jerusalem above" is the true, heavenly city, completely free from sin, being prepared in heaven for God’s people.
📌 When this city is fully prepared, it will descend to the earth and replace the present Jerusalem.

📖 Revelation 21:2

"Behold, the New Jerusalem, beautifully adorned and prepared like a bride for her husband."

This is why the prophet Jeremiah prophesied the New Covenant:

📖 Jeremiah 31:33

"This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

📖 Jeremiah 31:38

"Thus says YHWH: Behold, the days are coming when this city shall be built for YHWH from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate."

This New Covenant is not written on paper with ink but is engraved upon the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit.
This covenant was, is, and will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit inscribes it upon the hearts of God's people.

The Free Woman and the True Israel

📌 The "free woman" represents those whose hearts bear the Torah and who have separated from sin.
📌 She is the mother of Israel, just as the New Jerusalem is the true home for God’s redeemed people.
📌 As described in Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem will descend from heaven, prepared by Jesus Himself.

📌 This will surely come to pass, and faith in this promise is the essence of true belief.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:27–28

4:27 "For it is written: 'Rejoice, barren woman who does not give birth! Break forth and cry aloud, you who have not been in labor! Because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than those of the woman who has a husband.'"

4:28 "Brothers and sisters, you, like Isaac, are children of the promise."

Commentary

1️⃣ Background Explanation

Quoting Isaiah 54:1
In this passage, Paul cites Isaiah 54:1, continuing the thematic contrast in Galatians 4:

Galatians 4:22–23 contrasts "the son of the slave woman" and "the son of promise."
Galatians 4:24–26 contrasts "the mother of slaves" and "the mother of faith."
Galatians 4:27–28 contrasts "the present Jerusalem" and "the New Jerusalem."

2️⃣ The Reality of Faith in the New Jerusalem

📖 "Rejoice, barren woman!"
In this passage, earthly Jerusalem is compared to a barren woman.

📌 Present-day Jerusalem is a city where people claim to uphold the Torah. It was meant to be the dwelling place of God's holy people, radiating His glory.
📌 However, the reality is different—sin, death, war, idolatry, curses, and sorrow still remain.

Yet, Abraham and his faithful descendants did not set their hearts on these earthly limitations but fixed their eyes on the New Jerusalem.

📌 Their faith was not a vague or abstract hope—it was a concrete expectation of the coming New Jerusalem.

📖 Hebrews 11:10

"For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

📌 Abraham did not settle for a temporary life as a wanderer on this earth but pursued the everlasting city promised by God.
📌 His faith was not about merely dreaming of a heavenly kingdom but about the resurrection and dwelling in the actual New Jerusalem.

This faith was passed down to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

📖 Joseph’s Last Testament
📌 Before Joseph died, he commanded, "Carry my bones back to Canaan."
📌 This was not merely about choosing a burial site—it was a declaration of faith that he would one day be resurrected to live in the New Jerusalem.

3️⃣ The Mother of Faith vs. The Mother of Slaves

📌 The present Jerusalem symbolizes the mother of those still in bondage.
📌 This does not refer to Torah itself, but to those who misuse Torah through false teachings, doctrines, and superficial religious practices.

📌 The children of the free woman are those who hold onto the promise given through Jesus Christ.
📌 This promise is not merely a religious ideology but includes the concrete and ultimate fulfillment in the New Jerusalem.

📖 "Rejoice, barren woman!"
📌 This phrase does not merely refer to the ability to bear children, but rather to God’s promise to restore Jerusalem, which seems forsaken.

📌 Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because no righteous people were found, but God told Elijah that He had preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal.
📌 This demonstrates that God always prepares a remnant and never completely abandons His people.

📌 Present-day Jerusalem is still plagued by sin and conflict, appearing as if God’s glory has departed.
📌 However, God will never forsake Jerusalem forever and has promised its restoration.

📖 "I will surely gather you again and make you glorious."
📌 This is a declaration of God’s unchanging covenant and faithfulness.

📌 As part of this restoration, Israel was reestablished as a nation after thousands of years, standing as a testimony of God's faithfulness amid the hostile Islamic nations surrounding it.
📌 All of this is part of the preparation for Jesus’ second coming, the Millennial Kingdom, and ultimately, the arrival of the New Jerusalem.

📌 Although the present Jerusalem may seem abandoned and under siege, God will restore it and place His glory there once again.

📖 Isaiah 54:9–17
📌 The New Jerusalem will be a holy city where there is no more weeping, bloodshed, or death.

4️⃣ Conclusion

📌 Abraham’s faith was not an abstract ideal but a concrete hope rooted in the resurrection and dwelling in the New Jerusalem.
📌 This faith was passed down to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
📌 Today, as children of faith, we also share in this same hope.
📌 This is the very confidence Paul refers to in Galatians 4:27–28, as the true children of promise.

Literal Translation & Commentary: Galatians 4:29–31

4:29

But just as at that time the one born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now.

4:30

But what does Scripture say? "Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman."

4:31

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman.

Commentary

1️⃣ The Repetition of Persecution (Verse 29)

Paul refers to 📖 Genesis 21:9, where Ishmael mocked Isaac. However, this was not just a domestic dispute.
📌 Abraham, in his impatience with God’s promise, sought an heir through Hagar, a decision based on human reasoning rather than faith.
📌 Paul uses this event to illustrate how those who are born of the Spirit—those who trust in God’s promise and long for His eternal kingdom—are persecuted by religious institutions built on human interpretations and traditions.

📌 Even today, false religious doctrines and corrupted theological interpretations distort the Torah and oppose the true Word of God.
📌 Many have created the term "legalist" (which does not exist in Scripture) to label and persecute those who seek the correct translation and interpretation of God’s Word.
📌 This aligns with Paul’s warning: Just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, those who claim to follow God while rejecting His eternal covenant continue to oppose those who truly follow the Word of God.

📖 The Sword of the Spirit

"The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, capable of dividing soul and spirit, transcending time and space."

📌 Yet, many modern translations deliberately obscure the distinction between soul and spirit, corrupting the truth of Scripture.

📌 Similarly, false religions today manipulate Scripture to justify their own doctrines, persecuting those who stand for the true Word of God.
📌 The term "legalist" (a word that does not even exist in Scripture) has been invented and used by religious institutions to suppress true biblical faith and correct translation efforts.
📌 This mirrors the persecution of those who follow the true Word of God, just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac.

2️⃣ The Slave Woman and Her Son (Verse 30)

Paul quotes 📖 Genesis 21:10 to emphasize the necessity of separating from corrupted religious systems.
📌 Sarah insisted that Hagar and Ishmael be cast out, and God confirmed her words.

📌 The slave woman represents religious systems built on human interpretations and traditions rather than on faith in God's promises.
📌 The free woman represents those who trust and obey God’s covenant in its true meaning.
📌 The son of the slave woman symbolizes those who rely on external religious actions, legalism, and self-righteousness while condemning others.
📌 The son of the free woman represents those who believe in God’s eternal promise and will inherit the New Jerusalem.

Paul urges believers to reject the incomplete, shadow-like understanding of the Law that is based on human tradition rather than divine revelation.
📌 Being "under the Law" does not mean simply obeying the Torah; rather, it refers to those who continually sin, seek atonement through sacrificial rituals, and return to sin again.
📌 Such individuals rely on the cycle of sin and sacrifice rather than living in the true righteousness of faith.

📌 Paul declares that those who remain "under the Law" in this way cannot inherit the promises of God.
📌 The command to "cast out the slave woman and her son" is not just a historical event but a spiritual directive.
📌 It calls believers to reject religious hypocrisy, abandon human-made doctrines, and fully embrace God’s eternal covenant through faith in Jesus Christ.
📌 Only through the blood of Jesus and the baptism of the Holy Spirit can we truly be free and live according to the Law’s true purpose.

3️⃣ Our Identity: Children of the Free Woman (Verse 31)

📌 Paul makes a clear declaration: "We are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman."
📌 This is not just a change in identity but a confirmation of our inheritance in God’s eternal kingdom.

What does it mean to be a child of the free woman?
✅ It means freedom from sin and death.
✅ It means salvation through Jesus Christ’s cross and resurrection.
✅ It means being heirs of God’s promises and inheritors of His kingdom.

📌 True freedom is not about abandoning God’s Law but about being freed from the bondage of sin and death.
📌 This freedom is given through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
📌 Paul urges believers not to be entangled again in human-made religious traditions and legalistic practices.

📌 True faith is not about following man-made interpretations of Scripture but about walking in the eternal Word of God as it was originally given.
📌 Our inheritance is not in earthly religious systems, but in the New Jerusalem, the city of God’s people.

Conclusion

📌 Galatians 4:29–31 contrasts the children of the promise (born of the Spirit) with those born of human efforts (under the flesh).
📌 "Cast out the slave woman and her son" is a command to abandon false religious systems and fully embrace God's eternal Word.

✅ Those who reject God’s covenant will always persecute those who follow it.
✅ Those "under the Law" seek righteousness through repetitive sacrifices rather than true faith.
✅ We, as children of the free woman, are called to live in the fulfillment of God's eternal promise.

📌 Believers in Christ have been promised the inheritance of heaven.
📌 This freedom is fully realized through the forgiveness of sins by Jesus’ blood and through living in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
📌 Walking in faith toward the eternal kingdom is the true fulfillment of God’s Law.

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